Important roles of amino acids in immune responses

Summary

This commentary reflects on a 2007 paper establishing amino acids' roles in immune responses, contextualising it against the SARS outbreak and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic. The authors propose a unified mechanistic framework whereby functional amino acids (arginine, glutamine, cysteine, tryptophan, glycine, taurine) and glutathione enhance both cellular and humoral immunity through production of nitric oxide, antibodies and cytokines. They note that animal-sourced foods are rich in these functional amino acids and that targeted amino acid supplementation may mitigate severe respiratory symptoms in viral infections.

Regional applicability

The findings are globally applicable and particularly relevant to United Kingdom public health policy and clinical nutrition guidance for COVID-19 and future respiratory pandemics. The emphasis on amino acid composition in foodstuffs and dietary sources (particularly animal products) has implications for UK dietary recommendations and food-based interventions to support immune resilience.

Key measures

Immune function parameters (innate and adaptive immunity); amino acid metabolism; glutathione, nitric oxide, antibody and cytokine production; severity of respiratory symptoms in infectious disease

Outcomes reported

The paper reviewed the roles of amino acids in innate and adaptive immune responses, and proposed mechanisms by which specific amino acids (arginine, glutamine, cysteine, tryptophan, glycine, taurine) and glutathione support immune function. It examined the potential of amino acid supplementation for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections, with reference to SARS-CoV-1 and subsequently COVID-19.

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